Heat transfer apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for providing localized heat transfer to or from a beverage includes a beverage container for containing the beverage; a dispenser, for dispensing the beverage; a delivery apparatus, disposed between the beverage container and the dispenser, for continuously delivering the beverage from the beverage container to the dispenser; at least one heating/cooling unit including at least one Peltier junction, operationally coupled to the dispenser, for heating/cooling the beverage in the proximity of the dispenser; a heat-transfer agent, coupled to the at least one heating/cooling unit, for transferring heat from the at least one heating/cooling unit; a venting device, operationally coupled to the heat-transfer agent, for venting the transferred heat; and a power supply device, operationally coupled to the heating/cooling unit, for supplying power to the at least one Peltier junction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for providinglocalised heat transfer (either for cooling or for heating a body).

2. Description of Related Art

Although the present invention will be described herein with particularreference to the chilling of a beverage, it finds much widerapplication. For example, quantities of paint (or similar material)could be kept warm so that they may be applied more readily; localisedchilling may be provided at supermarket check-outs to keep foodstuffs(such as ice-cream) cold.

Referring now to the treatment of beverages, it is desirable that somebeverages, particularly though not exclusively beers, lagers and milk,are chilled before they are consumed. Beverages are frequently dispensedfrom taps and it is sometimes desirable that such tap-dispensedbeverages are chilled before (and/or as) they are dispensed.

Previous cooling systems for chilling tap-dispensed beverages, havecomprised large chilled rooms into which barrels of the beverage areplaced and allowed to equilibrate. Once the temperature of the barrel isin equilibrium with that of the room, the contents will have beenchilled to an appropriate temperature. Further cooling has sometimesbeen provided in the vicinity of the dispensing taps to ensure that thebeverage is dispensed at the optimum temperature.

For large establishments having a number of beverages on tap, the knownarrangement requires that a large chilled room is provided. This isexpensive to run and maintain and moreover the known cooling systemshave generally used, as the cooling medium, hydrocarbon-derived gases,which can be harmful if vented to the atmosphere.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Applicants have now devised a method of and apparatus for coolingbeverages at the point of dispensing (in addition to or in place ofcooling at the point of storage). Advantages of the method and apparatusof the present invention have been found to include:

(i) Reduced energy costs;

(ii) Environmentally more acceptable;

(iii) Reduction of the space required for chilling drink at the bar andtherefore more space for stock;

(iv) Accurate temperature control and cooling at the dispensing point.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of localised heat transfer to or from a container in which acooling/heating unit including at least one Peltier junction is broughtinto proximity with the container and a heat transfer means isoperatively associated with the cooling/heating unit, whereby eitherheat is removed from the unit (should heat be removed from thecontainer) or heat is provided to the unit (should heat be supplied tothe container).

Thus, a single cooling/heating unit can be provided which can be placedadjacent to a container and the container can be heated or cooled asdesired.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided acooling apparatus comprising a beverage containment means, one or morecooling units, a cooling means, a venting means and a power supplymeans, the or each cooling unit including at least one Peltier junctionand being placed adjacent the beverage containment means, the coolingmeans being adapted, in use, to remove heat from the container, theventing means being adapted, in use, to remove heat from the coolingmeans and vent it to the atmosphere and the power supply means beingconnected to the or each cooling unit and being adapted, in use, topower the or each Peltier junction.

This has the advantage that a self-contained unit is provided which canbe used to chill the beverage containment means (rather than relying ona chilled room as was previously the case).

The apparatus of the present invention can also be used out-of-doors;since cooling is not being performed in an enclosed environment (aroom), the location of the beverage containment means has nosignificance.

Further, the overall cost of the cooling system is reduced. If a newhotel, bar, restaurant, or the like is being set up, the capital outlayfor the known cooling systems would be very high. A cooling systemaccording to the present invention can be developed and/or extended asrequired.

Preferably, insulating means are provided which insulate the beveragecontainment means from its surroundings. This has the advantage thatheat is not as readily absorbed by the beverage from the surroundings.Energy consumption should therefore be reduced when compared to a systemnot having insulating means.

The beverage containment means may comprise a barrel (or similar bulkstorage container) and a delivery means associated therewith.

The delivery means may comprise a duct, pipe or the like, such apparatusbeing well known to those skilled in the relevant art. The deliverymeans may additionally be provided with further cooling means (such as awater-jacket), especially insulated “Python” tubing.

The cooling unit may be placed in association with the barrel or it maybe placed in association with the delivery means. This allowsflexibility in the arrangement of the system.

In a preferred embodiment, more than one cooling unit is provided; atleast one in association with the barrel and at least one in associationwith the delivery means.

Most preferably, the cooling unit provided in association with thedelivery means is located at or near an end portion of the deliverymeans adjacent to where the beverage is dispensed.

The beverage may be a beer, a lager, a stout, a cider, a soft drink, orany other such beverage customarily dispensed from taps in publichouses, restaurants, hotels, and similar establishments.

Preferably, a pumping means is provided to pump the beverage from thebarrel through the delivery means to the dispensing point.

The cooling means may consist essentially of a cooling fluid, preferablywater. Other fluids, such as hydrocarbon-derived gases, may be used.Fluids are relatively easy to handle and to use as coolants. It isparticularly advantageous to use water as the cooling fluid as it ischeap, readily available, non-toxic, and non-polluting.

The cooling fluid may be continuously re-circulated so that the systemis economic in its use of coolant.

The venting means may comprise a radiator, which is a particularlyconvenient way of loosing heat to the atmosphere. The radiator may befan-assisted, thus providing a more compact venting means for thethroughput of heat required.

Preferably the power supply means comprises a mains-fed transformer,thus providing a relatively secure source of power. The power supplymeans could alternatively or additionally (for example as a back-upsupply) comprise one or more batteries.

The transformer can preferably provide 24V DC from a mains supply.

The apparatus may be adapted, in use, to deliver beverages chilled to aselectable temperature, for example −12° C. to +12° C. Normaltemperatures at which beverages are dispensed are in the range +2° C. to+8° C.). It is desirable to be able to vary the temperature at which thebeverage can be dispensed, so that the same apparatus can be used todispense a variety of different beverages.

Preferably the pressure of the cooling fluid is less than 2.5 bar.

In an embodiment having more than one cooling unit, the cooling fluidmay flow through each of the cooling units in turn. This has theadvantage that only one cooling means is required per apparatus (asopposed to one for each cooling unit) thus making the apparatus muchmore cost-effective.

Preferably, the insulating means comprises a jacket which is adapted, inuse, to surround the barrel. The jacket may have an opening means toallow the barrel to be inserted into the jacket.

The cooling apparatus may be manufactured from food-grade materials,possibly in accordance with prescribed (e.g. European) standards. Thisallows the beverage to contact the cooling apparatus and remainconsumable.

The Peltier junction may comprise two regions of dissimilar types ofsemiconductor, such as an n-doped region and a p-doped region. Usingdissimilar semiconductor materials in this manner provides suitableproperties for the junction.

Preferably, each cooling unit comprises a thermoelectric moduleconsisting of a plurality of p-type and n-type conductivity elements,the elements being held between a pair of ceramic plates or otherinsulating material. On passage of a current through theconductivity-elements, one of the plates acts as a heat-absorbing(cooling) surface and the other plate acts as a heat-releasing (heating)surface.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof cooling a beverage comprising placing a cooling unit adjacent acontainment means to remove heat from a beverage contained within thecontainment means, the cooling unit including at least one Peltierjunction adapted to cause a cooling means to remove heat from thejunction and to vent the removed heat to the atmosphere.

Such a method is advantageous since it is much more efficient than knowntechniques of cooling a beverage.

Preferably the method comprises cooling the beverage in the containmentmeans from an ambient temperature to a chilled temperature by using thecooling unit and subsequently maintaining the beverage at the chilledtemperature. This has the advantage that the cooling of the beveragedoes not need to be completely performed as the beverage is dispensed.Thus, the power required for the cooling unit can be reduced.

The method may comprise cooling the beverage from an ambient temperatureof 25-35° C. down to the chilled temperature of 10° C. or lower. Forexample, the chilled temperature may be set to be 8° C., or 6° C., or 4°C., or 2° C.

Preferably, beer can be dispensed from the beverage containment meansthrough a delivery means and the delivery rate may be at least 600 cm³per minute. More preferably, the delivery rate may be about 1200 cm³ perminute and most preferably is at least 2400 cm³ per minute. Of course,the flow rate could be higher, perhaps 3000 cm³ or 4000 cm³ per minute.It has been found that these flow rates provide a convenient rate atwhich to dispense a beverage.

The method may further comprise continuously dispensing a beverage froma beverage containment means.

The beverage in the containment means may be cooled from the ambienttemperature to the chilled temperature in from 6 to 14 hours, dependenton the starting temperature.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided the useof a cooling unit including at least one Peltier junction to cool abeverage.

The present invention will be illustrated, merely by way of example, inthe following description and with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings (wherein like numerals denote like parts),

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the presentinvention for dispensing a chilled beverage;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a suitable construction for an insulating coverand base for the beverage container of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

(Note: FIGS. 2B and 2C are, respectively, sections on lines A—A and B—Bof FIG. 2A).

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show different types of heat-exchanger adapted inuse to be inserted into the beverage container of the apparatus of FIG.1;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show different types of heat-exchanger adapted in,use to be mounted on the beverage container of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show different types of heat-exchanger adaptedin use to be placed at the base of the beverage container of theapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6 and 7 show, respectively, hermetically sealed tanks for use inconnection with “cold” and “hot” circuits for a cooling fluid for theapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9 show different types of “Python” multibore tubingsuitable for use in connection with the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D show different constructions ofheat-exchangers for contact, in use, with the beverage container of theapparatus of FIG. 1;

(FIG. 10A is a section on line 10A—10A of FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C is asection on line 10C—10C of FIG. 10D);

FIG. 11 is a centrifugal pump for use in connection with the apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a Peltier junction for use in theapparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a cooling unit containing thePeltier junction of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a beverage container 1comprising a barrel 10 having an insulating cover 11 and insulating base12. An extractor-tube type heat exchanger 14 is inserted into the barrel10 and a dispenser head 13 is provided to permit the transportation ofbeverage from the barrel 10 to a dispenser unit 20, via a fob detector30 and tubing 31. A heat exchanger 15 is placed in contact with the baseof the barrel 10 and a hermetically-sealed “cold” tank 16 is placedbetween the heat exchanger 15 and insulating base 12. A further heatexchanger 101 is mounted on the barrel 10 itself.

Movement of the beverage through tubing 31 from the barrel 10 to thedispenser unit 20 is assisted by means of a gas supply shownschematically at 17. Circulation of a cooling fluid (e.g. water) throughthe system, together with movement of the beverage from the barrel tothe dispenser unit, is suitably achieved by means of a thermo-insulatedmultibore tubing (shown schematically at 18), for example a “Python”tubing of a type known per se.

The barrel 10 is further provided with an external heat-exchanger 19 forchilling the beverage.

Electrical control of the apparatus is achieved by means of athermoelectric block 21, in operative association with a regulator 22.

Cooling fluid (e.g. water) is circulated around the apparatus. From anexpansion tank 23 provided with a gas compensator 24, the fluid passesthrough a radiator 25 having an external fan 26. Circulation of thefluid is achieved by means of a pump 27. An air extractor (shownschematically at 28) is also provided and the cooling circuit alsoincludes a hermetically-sealed “hot” tank 29.

With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the insulating cover 11 and base12 for the barrel 10 of FIG. 1 are suitably provided with catches 111and hinges 112 for ease of access to the barrel.

In FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, three different types of heat exchanger, adaptedto be inserted into the barrel 10 of FIG. 1, are shown:

FIG. 3A shows an insert 14 having a spiral-tube heat exchanger, whichscrews into the barrel by means of union 141 and threading 142. Anextractor tube is adapted to be attached at 143.

FIG. 3B shows a similar insert to that of FIG. 3A, in which the spiraltube carries a heat-transfer medium which also serves as a spring for anextractor valve.

FIG. 3C shows an insert which includes a cavity 144 for theheat-exchanger, a tube 145 for the heat-transfer medium and a tube 146by way of which heat can be removed from the system.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show different barrel-mounted heat-exchangers:

In FIG. 4A there is shown a heat exchanger 101 having a spiral,hermetically sealed cavity to contain a coolant. The exchanger 101 alsoacts as a structural stiffener for the barrel.

In FIG. 4B there is shown a spiral pipe 102 to contain a coolant.

In FIG. 4C the barrel 10 is itself provided with a hermetically sealedcylindrical cavity 103 to contain a coolant. The cavity 103 also acts asa structural stiffener for the barrel.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A to 5D, there is shown two types ofheat-exchanger 15 suitable for location at the base of the barrel 10 ofFIG. 1.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B the heat-exchanger 15 comprises a base 151 on whichis mounted an elastic membrane 152 containing a tubular heat exchangingmeans 153. A mass 154 of a thermally-conductive material (which may be agel, a fluid, a suspension of paste or a powder) is placed between themembrane 152 and the means 153.

In FIGS. 5C and 5D the heat-exchanger 15 again comprises a base 151 onwhich a hollow elastic membrane 152 is mounted. The effectiveheatexchanger consists essentially of a part-spheroidal cavity 153. Amass 154 of a thermally-conductive material is again placed between themembrane 152 and the cavity 153.

The heat-exchanger 15 is operatively attached to the apparatus by meansof a fixing unit shown schematically at 155.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a tank 16 (for the “cold” circuit) and atank 29 (for the “hot” circuit) are respectively provided with aflexible membrane 161 and 291, the membrane forming one of the walls ofeach tank. When the apparatus is switched off, water returns undergravity to the tanks. Suitably, the membrane 161 (291) may be formedfrom a condom-type material.

In FIGS. 8A and 8B, two types of “Python” multibore tubing are shown.Generally, the inner tube 181 carries the beverage and the outer tube182 carries the coolant, but both may be used for circulating thebeverage through the apparatus. The tubes 181 and 182, together with aflow line 183 for the coolant, are enclosed within respectively co-axialprotective layers of a plastics material 184, a foam material 185 and aplastics outer skin 186. The cross-sectional area of the flow line 183should in each case be equal to that of the outer tube(s) 182, less thatof the inner tube(s) 181, irrespective of the number of inner tubes.

In FIG. 9 there is shown an alternative “Python” tubing, comprising aproduct tube 187, a gilled return tube 188, a gilled flow tube 189 andan insulating layer 190, all tubes being arranged co-axially.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a first type of external heat-exchanger 19 foruse in the apparatus of FIG. 1. The exchanger 19 is provided with agenerally tubular means 192 to contain the heat transfer medium, themeans 192 being enclosed in a membrane 191. The space between themembrane 191 and tubular means 192 is filled with a mass 193 of athermally conductive material. Locks, hinges, a stand and an attachmentfor a temporary tap are shown respectively at 194, 195, 196 and 197.

In FIGS. 10C and 10D there is shown an alternative type ofheat-exchanger 19, in which the membrane 191 encloses a generally flatcavity 192 to contain the heat transfer medium. A mass 193 of athermally conducive material is placed between the membrane and thecavity.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the centrifugal pump 27 has at least threesections: at least two sections are connected in series and have oneinput and two outputs operating at different pressures. At least onesection is self-contained relative to the other sections. All sectionsare insulated from heat and all may conveniently be driven by means of asingle electric motor.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the barrel 10, the several heat-exchangers,gas supply 17 and pump 27 are all located in a cellar. The dispensingunit 20 may be located in a bar area. The skilled person will appreciatethat while it is of no significance where some parts of the system arelocated (for instance the pump 27), other parts will generally always belocated in a certain place (for instance the dispensing unit 20 willgenerally always be located in a bar area). Other parts (e.g. the pipescarrying the various fluids) will need to pass through both areas.

In use, beer is delivered to the apparatus in barrels 10 which are at anambient temperature, typically 25° C. The un-cooled barrel 10 is placedinto the apparatus. Once the barrel is in place the apparatus isactivated.

The pump 27 is switched on, thus circulating cooling water. Heat isdrawn from the barrel 10 by the heat-exchangers and is transferred tothe cooling water, thus raising the temperature of the cooling water.

The pump 27 forces the cooling water through the radiator 25 whichdissipates the heat transferred to the water. The fan 26 assists in thisprocess.

Gradually the temperature of the beer within the barrel 4 falls andafter 6-14 hours the temperature has been reduced to the requiredtemperature. The temperature selected depends on the beer containedwithin the barrel, but may suitably be in the range 8° C. to 2° C.

Once the beer has been sufficiently cooled it can be dispensed throughthe dispensing unit 20. This is achieved by activating the beer pump 13,drawing beer from the barrel 10 towards the dispensing unit 20.

Suitably, the thermo-electric block may include a further block(hereinafter BPSR) which combines a power source and a regulator (bothknown per se).

Preferably, the BPSR has a substantially flat configuration for ease ofmounting into the thermo-electric block. The components of the BPSR,together with any covering and/or housing, are preferably made from anon-corrosive material and all surfaces of the BPSR should be smooth andwithout corrosion or other damage.

Preferably, the dimensions and weight of the BPSR are reduced to aminimum, for example a height not exceeding 40 mm and a volume notexceeding 650 cm³.

Suitably, the resistance of insulation current circuits between the BPSRand any electrically-isolated circuits is not less than 20 MΩ (at 45-80%relative humidity and ambient temperature from +20° C.) and 1 MΩ (at92-98% relative humidity and ambient temperature from +20° C.). Allinner and outer circuits are separated and have no galvanic connectionwith the BPSR or with each other. Power may conveniently be suppliedfrom A.C. mains and preferably the power consumption should not exceed950 W. Preferably, the BPSR includes a safety device (e.g. a fuse) toprotect against short-circuit or overheating of the thermo-electricblock (for example, in the event of insufficient coolant in the block).

Preferably, the regulator is capable of maintaining the coolanttemperature in the circuit to within ±0.5° C. of a given temperature inthe range −1 to +10° C.

Maintenance of the required temperature may be achieved by means of atemperature-sensor in the cold circuit, together with a control circuitand the power source.

For example, a given temperature (Tg) in the cold circuit can bemaintained by one of two possible methods so that the relationship ofthe temperature (Tc) of the cold circuit and the temperature (Th) of thehot circuit to the given temperature is Tc<Tg<Th (±0.5° C.):

Method (i) Reducing the voltage of the thermo-electric block to zero andsupplying nominal voltage at Tg>Tc;

Method (ii) Reducing the voltage of the thermoelectric block to 65% ofthe nominal voltage at Tc<Tg and supplying nominal voltage at Tc>Tg.

Maintenance of the temperature (Th) of the hot circuit is suitablyachieved by means of a temperature-sensor in the hot circuit which actsto switch on a hot circuit pump. The sensor acts to break the contactsof the hot circuit pump relay when Th<Tg and to close the contacts whenTh>Tg (±1° C.).

Preferably, the working mode of the BPSR is continuous and the blockshould function correctly at temperatures of between +10° C. and +32° C.As well as complying with applicable safety standards, the BPSR issuitably designed so that incorrect electrical connection is virtuallyimpossible.

The several heat-exchangers are operated by means of Peltier coolers,the principle of which is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Referring to FIG. 12, a power source 200 is provided to power thejunction 202 of two dissimilar materials. In the preferred embodiment,doped semiconductors arc used: one portion of an n-doped semiconductor204 and one portion of a p-doped semiconductor 206. These two dissimilarmaterials are joined to each other by a joining conductor 208 and to thecircuit by conductors 210, 212.

Because of the Peltier effect which exists between dissimilar materialswhen a current is passed through the circuit from the power supply 200the joining conductor 208 experiences a heating effect and theconductors 210, 212 experience a cooling effect.

Referring to FIG. 13, a thermoelectric module 300 consists of aplurality of conductivity elements 301 held between a pair of ceramicplates 302 and 303.

A voltage V is provided by way of positive and negative supply leads,304 and 305 respectively.

The arrangement of the elements 301 is such that plate 302 acts as aheating-absorbing (cooling) device and plate 303 acts as aheat-releasing (heating) surface.

Examples of how apparatus, incorporating one or more Peltier junctionsaccording to the present invention, may be used in other applicationsinclude, but are not limited to, the following.

a) Cooling/chilling

ice cream and frozen food vending;

domestic refrigeration, drinks chillers, wine coolers etc,

transport refrigeration (refrigerators in cars, planes, trucks andships);

industrial machinery cooling (injection moulding machines, laser cuttingtools, metal and woodworking machinery, industrial drills androck-cutting equipment, food processing plant and equipment);

specialist applications for the transport of organs, bodies etc.

b) Air conditioning

telecommunications and power supply equipment;

broadcasting and lighting equipment;

automotive and transport;

domestic/localised cooling.

c) Heating/warming

automotive and transport;

catering hot-plates and cabinets;

paint tin warmers and warming ovens/dryers in industrial applications;

washing machines;

heat curing systems for resins and epoxies.

Pettier plates can be used in conjunction with one or more coolants(water, gas, air) for different applications within the same system(heating, air conditioning and heating). An example of this is a vehicleusing the same system to power a mini-refrigerator, an air-conditioningsystem and a seat-heating system.

The apparatus according to the present invention does not require anychloro-fluorocarbon coolants and in use does not generateenvironmentally-unacceptable emissions (such as the so-called“greenhouse gases”).

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for providing localized heattransfer to or from a beverage, comprising: beverage-containing meansfor containing the beverage; dispensing means, for dispensing thebeverage; delivery means, disposed between said beverage-containingmeans and said dispensing means, for continuously delivering thebeverage from said beverage-containing means to said dispensing means;at least one heating/cooling unit including at least one Peltierjunction, operationally coupled to said dispensing means, forheating/cooling said beverage in the proximity of said dispensing means;a heat-transfer agent, coupled to said at least one heating/coolingunit, for transferring heat from said at least one heating/cooling unit;venting means, operationally coupled to said heat-transfer agent, forventing the transferred heat; and power supply means, operationallycoupled to said heating/cooling unit, for supplying power to said atleast one Peltier junction.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising insulating means, coupled to said beverage-containing means,for providing insulation.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein saidinsulating means comprises a jacket for surrounding saidbeverage-containing means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidbeverage-containing means comprises either of a barrel and a keg.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said delivery means comprises either of aduct and a pipe.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising atleast one heating/cooling unit operationally coupled to said beveragecontaining means for heating/cooling said beverage.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one heating/cooling unitoperationally coupled to said delivery means for heating/cooling saidbeverage.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said delivery meanscomprises Python coaxial tubing.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, whereinsaid heat transfer agent consists essentially of a fluid.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein said fluid is water.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein said fluid is continuously re-circulated.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein said fluid is pressurized to less than 2.5bars.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising pumping means,operationally coupled to said beverage-containing means, for pumpingsaid beverage to said dispensing means.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said venting means comprises a radiator.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein said radiator is fan-assisted.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said power supply means comprises a mains-fedtransformer.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising auxiliarypower means.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said auxiliary powermeans comprises at least one battery.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said at least one heating/cooling unit is adapted to allow forchoosing a desired temperature to which said beverage is chilled. 20.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said desired temperature is in therange from −12° C. to +12° C.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, whereinsaid desired temperature is in the range from +2° C. to +8° C.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one Peltier junctioncomprises at least one n-doped region and at least one p-doped region.23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said beverage flows through saiddelivery means at a pre-determined rate.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23,wherein said rate flow is at least 600 cm3 per minute.
 25. The apparatusof claim 23, wherein said rate flow is at least 1200 cm3 per minute. 26.The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said rate flow is at least 2400 cm3per minute.
 27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said rate flow is inthe range between 3000 cm3 and 4000 cm3 per minute.